Sionzon, Ilyka Jean D.

BA COMM II

Comm 110

Short Paper 3

One important factor to maintain a healthy democracy in the country is freedom

of the press. It also serves as a weapon by those people who cannot raise their voices.

As it is considered as one of the safeguards of our democracy, the fight towards

freedom of the press has been a consistent battle now and then. Discrimination against

the media has been prevalent in the Philippines. The growth of the press has been

greatly observed throughout history; starting from Spanish Colonization down to

Duterte’s Administration. “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of

expression, or of the press, or right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition

the government for redress of grievances“(Article III Section IV of 1987 Constitution).

This law serves as the guide and legal basis of media practice here in the Philippines.

This also helps people to voice out their concerns without unnecessary fears because

their rights are being protected. Some important duties by the media practitioners are to

keep our government accountable, maintain a community of responsible voters, and

provide necessary information that people need the most.

During this time of the pandemic, instead of focusing mainly on the most concern

of our country, it seems that even the freedom of our press which we need the most in

these dying times is not in a good state. There have been restrictive measures against

the media and some of our media practitioners are being discriminated. There are

threats against the press and most of all, some news media organizations faced legal
troubles. It is upsetting to think that the press is having a hard time fighting for what they

think is right. They are being attacked even when they are at their most vulnerable

spots. They are being called names that are below the belt such as “garbage”, “bullshit”,

and many more. It seems to me that the current administration is trying to make a way

in the resurgence of Martial Laws’ schemes in silencing the media. It mirrors the action

of Marcos where the press was uptight and faced numerous threats. This is indeed a

fraught time in the Philippine press. The government who is also responsible for

upholding policies for the press is showing hostility towards them. The right to freedom

of expression is not absolute because even both international laws and some

constitutions said that it has restrictions. The freedom of expression which is a basic

right of all people has not been so effective at present due to government censorship.

The freedom of the press is also rigid underlining the lack of reliable and accurate

information that people need the most. Our constitution is very clear about the right of

the press, of expression, and of the people and yet these rights are being pressed and

abused in one way or another.

I can say that being in the press is a very challenging job. Threats, criticisms, and

series of attacks will always be there. The press is a catalyst for democracy and through

this, we became a more informed and responsible community. The media are liable for

exposing the wrongdoing of companies and corrupt public organizations, and so, it is a

really risky job. Throughout history, there have been killings that took place to our

journalists as they are being silenced even if they are just trying to uphold accountability

journalism. Despite all of these challenges that occur, there is still beauty in the field of

journalism. Being able to deliver information to the public is such a great honor. As a
communication student, I must fully understand how the media works and how it affects

society. Furthermore, it is important to know the history that builds the media. I want to

broaden my horizon and idea about the world of the press. I am one in the fight towards

the freedom of the press, and I know that even in my simple ways, I can also raise my

voice to serve people and influence the youth.